The Forgotten Kingdom, the first feature film in
Sesotho, was released in Lesotho in April prior to its South African release and
was the number one film on circuit in its opening weekend. It out performed Hollywood
blockbusters Captain America and Noah at Ster-Kinekor’s Pioneer Mall
cinema in Maseru.
The
film, directed by Andrew Mudge, has also racked up a total of nine African
Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) nominations, including Best Feature Film, Best
Director of a Feature Film, Best First Feature Film by a Director, Best Actor
(Zenzo Ngqobe) and Best Cinematography.Also among the nominations is one for
Lebohang Ntsane, for Best Child Actor.
“We are
very proud of the nominations, and we congratulate the entire cast and crew,”
says executive producer Chris Roland of ZenHQ. “Special mention must go to
Lebohang Ntsane, for his excellent performance as a young orphan boy. Lebohang
was chosen from more than 700 aspiring young actors in Lesotho.”
The Forgotten Kingdom tells the story of Atang
Mokoenya, who lives in Johannesburg, and travels home to his ancestral land to
bury his estranged father. He is drawn to the mystical beauty and hardships of
the land and people he had forgotten.
Atang
feels like a stranger in the land of his birth, but finds an instant connection
in his childhood friend, Dineo. He befriends a precocious 11 year-old orphan
boy, and together they make the arduous journey across the rugged mountains to
find her. Along the way, they undergo experiences that force Atang to surrender
to the rhythm and traditions of the land, and to make peace with his father. A
changed man, Atang finally reaches Dineo, but must overcome one last obstacle
to win her father’s approval.
The role
of Atang is played by Zenzo Ngqobe, a South African actor known for his
starring role as Stone Khuse on the television soapie Rhythm City. The cast includes stars like Nozipho Nkelemba, Jerry
Mofokeng, Moshoeshoe Chabeli, Jerry Phele and Lillian Dube.
Website:
http://forgottenkingdomthemovie.com
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